*Press Release 17th March 2021

‘Being a woman is not an identity’ insists new Liberal Democrat group

‘Disregarding half the population is a recipe for electoral oblivion’

Today sees the launch of a new grassroots organisation for Liberal Democrats. Called Liberal Voice for Women, the founders pledge to advance and protect the rights of women and girls from within the party, offer hope to disillusioned members and a way back for those who have left in despair.

Liberal Voice for Women is composed of members across the country who believe that the party is failing to address the most vital issues impacting women and girls today. Currently there is no official organisation in the party representing women’s rights on the basis of their legally defined protected characteristic, i.e. sex - despite the word being enshrined in the Preamble to its constitution. Liberal Voice for Women will fill that unacceptable gap and provide the focus to get the party back on track.

The launch coincides with a bold statement from party leader Sir Ed Davey on the importance of taking women’s safety seriously. The new group intends to hold Ed and the party to this commitment.

Spokeswoman Alison Jenner says ‘Women’s rights and interests are predicated on the material fact of our sex. Being a woman is not an identity that can be adopted or rejected at will. Sex matters and it has meaning, especially for women and girls.’

Alison continues, ‘The Liberal Democrat constitution explicitly rejects all prejudice and discrimination based on sex or sexual orientation. It is time for the party to live up to that objective.’

Steering group member Iris Walker added, ‘Women are the backbone of every Liberal Democrat local party. Their work fuels every election campaign, at all hours and in all weathers. By disregarding the protected characteristic of sex, the party risks alienating not only its voters but also its crucial activists.’

Liberal Voice for Women plans to develop pro-women campaigns and policies. It will seek to ensure that the Lib Dems remains a home for open, respectful debate about issues that affect women, and that policies which compromise women’s rights receive proper scrutiny and opposition.

See Facebook and Twitter; contact info@liberalvoiceforwomen.org